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In this fourth edition, GoetheanumFund focuses on Social Therapy and Curative Education. 
The first edition was dedicated to Biodynamic Agriculture and the second to Anthroposophical Medicine, the third to Education and Early Childhood. Make a donation today and promote health.

Arts

Old Age

Social Therapy and Curative Education

Education and Early Childhood

Anthroposophical Medicine

It is centred on the analysis of those forces and factors that make and keep us healthy. It is not focussed on the reasons for illness, but rather on the origins of health: what are these origins and how do we preserve health? In this respect Anthroposophical medicine is complementary to conventional medicine.

Stimulating the self-healing forces
Anthroposophical medicine is based on the interactions of one human being with another. Anthroposophical therapies and medicines stimulate and strengthen the self-healing forces. This can only be done to a limited extent by prescribing pills. Many patients are increasingly aware of this and it is also recognised by open-minded proponents of conventional medicine. In the practices of Anthroposophical doctors one generally finds fewer technical appliances. Instead doctors place more importance on the conversation with the patient and immediate impressions, such as the handshake, the way the patient walks, the balance of warmth and cold, in order to get a complete picture of the patient and his or her needs.

Higher patient satisfaction
Satisfaction of patients receiving Anthroposophical treatments was significantly better than of patients receiving only conventional treatments. Patients’ expectations regarding therapy results were also fulfilled to greater satisfaction, although, on average, patients receiving Anthroposophical treatment were suffering from more severe, chronic illnesses. Anthroposophical doctors had more time for their patients and relied less on the use of technical examinations. Economic efficiency is also well documented. Compared to conventional medicine, doctor-related costs in Anthroposophical medicine were less than half, and patient-related costs tended to be generally lower.

Anthroposophical medicines
Anthroposophical medicines are made from natural substances, whenever possible biodynamically or organically grown. They are produced without harming the environment and without being tested on animals.
With your donation to the GoetheanumFund you support all of these positive developments. In your own interest and in the interest of the wellbeing of man, nature and environment. We appreciate your contribution.

Biodynamic Agriculture

It supports and promotes the following research projects:

• increasing soil humus content
• breeding plants and the best treatment of seeds
• breeding animals taking into consideration each species' needs
• optimizing the design and construction of stables and pens for horn-bearing dairy cattle
• suitability of new chicken breeds for biodynamic farming
• promoting foods rich in content and taste

Cooperating in various research projects
The biodynamic agriculture movement and other free initiatives, the Research Institute for Organic Agriculture (FiBL), biodynamic farms and Demeter-partners, co-operate in various research projects concerning the future of agriculture. Results of the latest research are made available to all interested parties.

Current projects include the long-term increase of humus content in the soil, plant breeding and the treatment of seeds, as well as animal breeding that takes into consideration the individual species' needs. The expert group "animal husbandry and breeding", in co-operation with FiBL, analysed the suitability of new chicken breeds for biodynamic farming. The successful evaluation of this project was based on a variety of parameters.

Another research project is looking into optimizing the design and construction of stables and pens for horn-bearing dairy cattle. The aim is to prevent injuries and aggressive fighting in establishing the social hierarchy of the herd. In addition to this, FiBL is conducting a study on new guidelines for cattle breeding based on a deeper understanding of the animals' nature.

Other research topics are related to the various aspects of the Demeter market chain, reaching from the farmer to the consumer. For example, the ethical responsibility we as human beings have towards nature, and the promotion of foods that are rich in content and taste.

Research benefits everyone
Human beings, animals, plants, and the environment as a whole will benefit from the results of these research projects. They provide essential impulses and new insights for these vital areas of life. They reveal the significant positive effects which biodynamic agriculture has on soil fertility, and the special ability of biodynamically cultivated soils to absorb environmentally relevant CO2. This is documented in the impressive results of the academic long-term study DOK.

Support the GoetheanumFund. Make a commitment to these aims, so that this vital research can be continued and expanded in the future. We are grateful for your contribution.